Spotlight on: Birdsville Races

Birdsville Races

It's not quite the race that stops a nation - but the tiny town of Birdsville (population 120), which lies about as far 'Outback' as you can get, 1600kms from Brisbane, does pull out all stops when it comes to entertaining a crowd of 6000 each year for its iconic race weekend.

On the menu is OBE beef and Apple and Quandong pie; a tent city is erected offering comfortable accommodation options, and this year's entertainment featuring Mick Lindsay, Paul Costa and iconic bush poet Murray Harta will keep the punters happy even away from the track.

Photographic evidence points to Birdsville hosting races as far back as 1882, and current Race Club President and ambassador David Brook claims it is this proud heritage which ensures the races go on, despite flood and drought over the years.

This year, all eyes will be on the field, the fashions on the field that is, as filly's, sorry ladies compete for the best dressed. There are 13 races program over this fun-filled weekend, but the real breath-holding happens during the XXXX Birdsville Cup which runs mid afternoon on Saturday.

Birdsville Races

A long time favourite with loyal grey nomads who make the journey each year, theBirdsville Races are also becoming popular with a younger set, keen to fly or drive to be part of one of Queensland's best events.

For more information, visit www.birdsvilleraces.com